Revamped City Pool Opens

Last year's water leak thing of past

The city of White Salmon's swimming pool officially opens to the public for the summer season on Thursday, June 11. Pool hours are 9:30 a.m.-8 p.m.

There have been a number of big changes since last year, some that will be readily visible and some less obvious.

Members of the White Salmon Public Works crew fixed the very serious water leak the pool had last year, and have resealed and painted the pool. A new roof has been placed on the pool administration building. Much of the concrete swimming pool deck has been replaced.

The biggest infrastructure changes are the placement of solar panels to heat the pool, and a new salinization system that, once finalized, will remove the need for chlorination.

"The solar panels were installed as well as the new boiler, and is housed in a new structure, built by T.J. Barnes of the city's Public Works crew," said Ruth Winner, a member of the White Salmon Swimming Pool Committee. "A wide gate was installed in the north fence, with funds from the pool committee, as a special and/or emergency access."

Winner was recently named White Salmon's "citizen of the month" in recognition of her work on behalf of the pool.

Winner added that general repairs and cleanup is being taken care of by volunteers from Klickitat County Young Leaders Association, with materials supplied by the Pool Committee.

On June 18, Windermere Realtors will be working on the pathway entry area for beautification, with some supplies provided by the committee.

Donations for the swimming pool fund are still being accepted in person at the Riverview Community Bank in White Salmon or by mail to: Swimming Pool Fund, P.O. Box 1746, White Salmon, Wash., 98672. Checks should be made payable to Swimming Pool Fund. Also, anyone may donate by remembering the pool in their will in care of the bank account.

At certain times, the pool offers swimming lessons, water aerobics, open swimming sessions, and even private events.

For information on program times and costs, call City Hall at 493-1133.